The Sisters

★★★★★ (27)

Two rocks that breach the surface can be seen NE of Barney’s Rock. On the outside of the Hikurangi Marine Reserve. 15-20 minute boat south journey from South Bay Marina.

The Kaikoura Trench create and abundance in this area common sitings are Nudibranchs, Seals, Crayfish, Native Coastal Fish Species and Dusky Dolphins.

Dive Activity

Dive Centers Catering This Dive Site

Dave’s Diving Kaikoura

Dave’s Diving Kaikoura

38 West End, 7300 Kaikoura, New Zealand

Dive Sites Nearby

Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Paia Point (★4.2)

Paia Point (★4.2)

Borders the Hikurangi Marine Reserve. Visible from the Paia Point Campground (SH1) are two set of rockys reefs. Note that the shore entry is challenging and the surface swim is can be 20mins.
Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, 7300 Kaikoura
Barney’s Rock (★4.6)

Barney’s Rock (★4.6)

Barney’s Rock (Panau Island) is located 15min south on SH1 From Daves Diving Kaikoura. This is the gateway to the Hikurangi Marine Reserve and diving around the island you reach depths of 19m.
Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, 7300 Kaikoura
Sharks Tooth Kaikoura (★4.4)

Sharks Tooth Kaikoura (★4.4)

Off the east coast of the peninsula, launch from The South Bay Marina. The point that resembles a Sharks Tooth the bays north from there. Also known as Whalers Bay.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Whalers Bay Kaikoura (★4.4)

Whalers Bay Kaikoura (★4.4)

The first bay over from South Bay on the eastern face of the Kaikoura peninsula. 10 minute boat ride from the South Bay Marina. Depth ranging between 6m and 30m.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Peter’s Rock (Cone Rock) (★4.9)

Peter’s Rock (Cone Rock) (★4.9)

A pinnacle of coastal rocks not far off from Baxter’s Reef no more than a 3 minute boat ride from the marina in South Bay. Depths ranging from 10m - 25m.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink
Rhino Horn (★4.8)

Rhino Horn (★4.8)

The second bay on the eastern face of the Kaikoura Peninsula when launching from South Bay Marina. A hill on in the bay represents a Rhino Horn Giving the site it’s name. The kelp and rocky sea floor supplements many dens and surfaces to sustain many coastal marine life.
Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, 7300 Kaikoura
South Bay Kaikoura (★3.8)

South Bay Kaikoura (★3.8)

Great bay to spend the afternoon on the south side of the Kaikoura Peninsula! The entry point in an “v“ shape cut out in the reef by old whalers. That whole sheltered area is a great place to spear fish and explore. Depths extend to 14m in high tide in some areas.
Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, 7300 Kaikoura
Baxter’s Reef (★4.3)

Baxter’s Reef (★4.3)

Baxters Reef is an easy beautiful shore dive, great for training and beginner level divers. The inside of the reef is often protected from swell and wind. The outer is more exposed but offers deeper water (8-16m) and more fish life. Straight forward dive with easy navigation and a clear reef to follow.
Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, 7300 Kaikoura
Seal Colony (★4.5)

Seal Colony (★4.5)

A rough walk over the rocky peninsular of Kaikoura with a difficult entry. Swim through a kelp forest and rock formations with swim throughs and small caves to explore. With many entry and exit points this dive site can be enjoyed many times. Surge and swell can make this dive tricky especially the entry and exit.
Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, 7300 Kaikoura
Old Wharf (★4.2)

Old Wharf (★4.2)

8 minute drive from Daves Diving Kaikoura behind the Fyffe House. Entry/Exit point is located at the old boat ramp that is deused. Note that Boats launch from the beach do take care. The yellow ’No Fishing’ Buoy is a reference for you surface swim.
Aqualung
Haylee’s hideout (★4.1)

Haylee’s hideout (★4.1)

A submerged pile of rocks on the outskirts of Jimmy Armers Beach on the north-side of the Peninsula, Launching from the beach it’s self the site is no more than 2-3 minutes away.
Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, 7300 Kaikoura
Saint Kilda’s Rocks (★4.3)

Saint Kilda’s Rocks (★4.3)

Launching from Jimmy Armers Beach, Saint Kildas Rock is only a 3min boat trip. The Rock is located with a Rahui and provides a stunning coastal kelp enivroment full of fish life.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic
Nine Pins (★4.4)

Nine Pins (★4.4)

A set of Nine Rocks that you can see breaching the surface. Directly out from The Pier Hotel. Launching from the ramp outside of The Pier Hotel at high tide only. These Rocks mark the north side of the local Rahui.
Daves’ Diving Kaikoura, 7300 Kaikoura
Point Kean (★4.5)

Point Kean (★4.5)

A long walk from the Seal Colony Carpark or a quick boat ride when launching at Jimmy Armers Beach. A Sand, Rock and Kelpy bottom consisting of bushy kelps and a variety of sponges. Diving along the shallow wall towards the point is our reccomendation!